Weekly Coaches' Email 10/29/14

Coaches,

In the first coaches meeting held, at the beginning of the Fall season, I had brought up that many young athletes drop out of organized sports by the time they turn 13.

Although this is an age that some athletes decide to specialize and others decide to focus more on school, to many young athletes drop out of sports because it is simply not fun anymore. When the focus of coaches and/or parents is more on winning, than the development of an athlete, the chances are that down the road we will lose our players.

On another point that has been brought up before is that in order for athletes (or soccer players) to be successful, we as coaches not only need to see our players as athletes, but also value them for the person they are. It is important to get to know your players for who they are to build a connection. Building that relationship with each player, will benefit you and ultimately the team.

I have attached a very good article that I would like you all to read. Better yet, after reading it yourself I would like to encourage you all to share it with the parents on the team that you coach.

Although we all mean well we (coaches and parents) lose sight of reality sometimes and forget why children participate in youth sports. It isn't about us coaches, but we are here to make sure all soccer players in Westfield are given the opportunity to play the beautiful game of soccer.

Our number 1 goal is to create a fun and safe environment for our players to fall in love with the game of soccer! The chances are that when our players enjoy the game of soccer that they will continue to play the game once they get older. That goes hand in hand with another goal for all of us, to retain as many players for the sport as possible. If we can see that our players are having fun, they enjoy the time spend with their friends and are improving as the season progresses, we are on the right track. When children love the sport they play, the chances that they will go outside and play by themselves will also increase.